If you’re a “roadgeek,” then you already know what cutouts are. In fact, you may know where these are. A close look at these old signs will show that they are different from those erected today. They’re smaller for one thing. And the metal is actually cut out (hence the name) to the shape of the US, state or Interstate highway shield. Also note the black borders around the edges. Highway departments found that it was cheaper to make the signs the way you see them today. The new ones almost look like decals affixed to the metal. These signs are in Christiansburg, Virginia. I suspect that when they need to be replaced, it will be with the newer style signs.
I have seen signs like these in a few other places in Virginia. There may be a couple in Harrisonburg and maybe Winchester. Outside Virginia, I really can’t say. Good luck with US 40. Do you know the song “Highway 40 Blues” by Ricky Scaggs?
Tom Hoffman
Thanks for the reply! I can’t say I’ve heard that song, but I will look it up!
Matt
You should be able to find the song on itunes or Amazon for about $1. I used to buy songs from walmart.com, but they’ve stopped doing it.
I wonder if there would be a way to have “Highway 40 Blues” play when anyone opens my blog? If it would lead to copyright problems, though, I wouldn’t do it.
Someday, if I live long enough, I’d like to drive ocean to ocean following what I understand to be the three rules of roadtripping:
1.) No Interstates
2). No chain motels
3). No chain restaurants.
If they still existed, I’d exempt Horne’s, Stuckey’s and Howard Johnson’s from #3. Unfortunatly, all three have bitten the dust.
Tom Hoffman
Have you found that in general, it’s rare to find older-style signage, or is it a bit easier in rural areas? I’m working on my own blog on U.S. 40 (http://exploreroute40.wordpress.com/), and I’m trying to accumulate as much historic information as possible so I know where and what to look for while I’m traveling. Thanks!
Matt